1.10: Conclusion
Throughout this chapter we have examined the complexities of gender, sex, and sexuality. Differentiating between sex, gender, and sexual orientation is an important first step to a deeper understanding and critical analysis of these issues. Understanding the sociology of sex, gender, and sexuality will help to build awareness of the inequalities experienced by subordinate groups such as people gendered female, homosexuals, and transgendered individuals.
The history of sexuality is fraught with the cultural biases of the times. Looking at this contextually helps set a foundation as one examines the academic study of sexuality. With this in mind, critical evaluation will take place of how the study operates in the present day. Looking cross-culturally also helps place social norms and values center in the social construction of sex. When studying sex and sexuality, sociologists focus their attention on sexual attitudes and practices, not on physiology or anatomy. Norms regarding gender and sexuality vary across cultures. In general, the United States tends to be fairly conservative in its sexual attitudes. As a result, most in the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face opposition and discrimination in most major social institutions, despite a whole host of new laws enacted in the 21st century.